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FTL or full truckload is the shipping of items that only an entire trailer can accommodate. This mode of shipping focuses on shipping one item or items that belong to one shipper or a shipping cooperation. FTL shipping involves transportation of large and bulky items. Unlike less than truckload shipping, full truckload shipping is more efficient for specific freight shipping needs such as heavy machinery. It is essential for a shipper to be accurate on their shipping requirements. Here are some fundamental differences between LTL AND FTL shipping that will guide you in choosing the appropriate transportation for your freight.

• Weight. Freight that weighs less than 15,000 pounds is most suitable to ship with less than truckload shipping while cargo that weighs more than 15,000 pounds would be ideal to be shipped with full truckload shipping.

• Cost. Less than truckload shipping comprises of multiple items that are shipped together and does save shipping costs for shippers when they don't have to send a whole truck. However, this is only applicable if the goods are less than 15,000 pounds.

• Urgency. Full truckload is time-saving and comes in handy when a shipment is time sensitive. In some instances, Full truckload does offer to ship from pick up point to delivery point using only one truck, and the delivery can be quicker than shipping with LTL which has to make stops at several carrier terminals.

• Handling. When a shipper is shipping fragile cargo, a full truckload can help reduce the chances of damage to goods during transportation since there are fewer instances of loading and offloading cargo.

These four differences should be enough to help a shipper choose the right shipping for their cargo. FTL freight carriers have benefits over other shipping methods and are some of the most convenient ways of shipping cargo.

Full truckload is a viable shipping alternative for shippers who mostly ship heavy cargo and those who prefer their goods to arrive within a short amount of time. Full truckload carriers offer a reasonable time frame for when shippers should expect delivery of their cargo since the freight belongs to one shipper. Business owners and companies that deal with a lot of supply chain operations would do well to opt for full truckload shipping because of the time frame that these FTL freight carriers offer. A shipper can use a FTL freight company that can ship their goods within a given time frame and location and go on with their business without having to do frequent follow-ups.